Paranoid Android finally releases Android 5.1 builds for Nexus devices

Paranoid Android fans with Nexus devices have been suffering for quite some time. Well, don’t you worry, as today is your lucky day! The team has announced via a blog post that the new version of the popular ROM is now available for a select list of Nexus devices.

Unfamiliar with Paranoid Android? Android geeks shouldn’t be, so let’s tell you a bit about them. Paranoid Android makes one of the most popular Android ROMs out there. In fact, they are the biggest ROM aside from CyanogenMod, which makes them an important part of the developer community. They have been forced to go through some major changes lately, though, as OnePlus has hired a large portion of the team’s talent.

While we are not sure this is the direct cause of the delays to Paranoid Android’s Android 5.1 release, the team does state it’s because they “are missing the manpower they had in the past on their core team.” I would bet my money on this being about the people who left for OnePlus! Regardless, the team has brought most supported Nexus devices up to speed with the supported legacy devices.

There are a couple caveats, which we should go through before telling you more about the new build. The team has been working very hard to get this build done, but they haven’t been able to finish everything just yet. As a result you will be missing cool features like Theme Engine, Quick Settings Reordering, App Ops, Advanced Power Menu and Immersive Mode. Also, keep in mind you will have to flash Google Apps.

Without further ado, let’s talk about the newly supported Nexus devices! Today’s release adds Android 5.1 support to the shamu (Nexus 6), hammerhead (Nexus 5), mako (Nexus 4), flounder (Nexus 9), flo (Nexus 7 2013) and grouper (Nexus 7 2012). This leaves only cellular-capable tablets and the Nexus 10 out of the loop, but it’s only because they don’t have the devices in hand. They do suggest owners of these devices come test their builds if they are willing. You can contact Evan Anderson at evananderson@aospa.co if interested.

Paranoid Android is also announcing they are easing up on releases from now on, due to obvious reasons. Instead of offering weekly releases, they are switching to a “release when appropriate” schedule. Makes sense, even if it does sadden us. Hopefully they can get more team members on board soon! As for now, Nexus device owners can go ahead and download the necessary files from their official distribution site. Also, try to help them with coding through gerrit if you can, they need it now more than ever.